The Education policy centre’s goals encompass not only evaluating and recommending education policy, but also helping to enrich the experience of students who study at our university.  For this reason, we hosted ‘Skills Share’, an opportunity for current students to get helpful advice on how to excel in various stages of the job application process. The event’s premise hinged on the identification that that UK higher education is not doing enough to equip students with skills that are essential to entering the workplace following their degrees. As a result, students frequently feel lost when starting job applications and balancing them  with their studies. This is especially difficult for students from under-represented backgrounds in Higher Education, including disabled and first-generation students. 

On 11 December, King’s Think Tank’s Education Policy Centre collaborated with First Generation KCL to host a networking event for university students. Our aim was to provide students with the advice and tips needed to produce  successful applications to internships, graduate schemes, and jobs. University students are often unable to find guidance to support them through the job application process. At the event, we discussed in-person and video interview techniques,  tips on how to network efficiently, as well as important advice on supporting wellbeing in stressful periods and possible sources of support.. 

The event incorporated speed networking, which allowed all attendees to discuss their questions with our various guest speakers. We invited a range of experienced final year students and recent graduates who have  interned at Deloitte and Bank of America, as well as some who have secured training contracts from Magic Circle Law Firm, Allen and Overy. The event also featured students who had completed international internships, worked as research assistants, and interned with their local MPs. 

Overall, the event proved to be a huge success, and we were able to  support current students in their journeys and give them the opportunity to learn from those who have previously been in their position.

Michaela Tranfield

Michaela Tranfield is the Director of the Education Policy Centre.